§ 38. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has for changing the type of General Post Office pillar boxes at present in use throughout the country.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterMuch will depend on experiments beginning shortly with 200 rectangular posting boxes which will be more easily cleared and maintained; we do not, of course, intend to replace all our existing boxes.
§ Mr. LewisIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in changing from round pillar boxes to square ones his right hon. Friend is putting himself into the position where he is not "with it" at all? Is not this going to be a totally unnecessary expense? These pillar boxes do not wear out. Why should we have to change them?
§ Mr. SlaterI always thought that the hon. Gentleman was in favour of progress. We have to consider the conditions under which our postmen work. In some cases they have to get down to ground level to remove the letters. With these new boxes they will be able to remain standing to collect the mail.